Interior designers have creative styles too
For an artist, the creative and internal process of testing and refining the type of work we make takes time. Our styles and themes inside which we work can also shift, depending out our selves, and on the outside world. The process by which an interior designer develops their own functional and aesthetic style can be quite similar. Like artists, they often have a ‘jumping off point’ inspired by other iconic or influential designers. This article dives into some interior design styles to know, and potentially be inspired by yourself.
Just like artists, interior designers have styles
Several iconic interior designers have made significant contributions to the field of interior design through their innovative ideas, unique styles, and groundbreaking projects. Here are some iconic interior designers to know about.
Elsie de Wolfe (1859-1950) is often considered the first professional interior designer. She pioneered the concept of interior design as we know it today, focusing on light, simplicity, and comfort. She is known for her transformation of grandiose Victorian and Edwardian interiors into bright, modern, and livable spaces. Her work laid the foundation for the profession. Here is a wonderful article in Architectural Digest about the beginning of her design business.
Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959): Although primarily an architect, Frank Lloyd Wright's influence extends to interior design. He believed in the concept of organic architecture, where the interior and exterior of a building were seamlessly integrated. His designs, such as Fallingwater and the Robie House, showcased innovative use of space and materials. It is easy to see how his influence extends into modern interior design.
Sister Parish (1910-1994) was a prominent figure in American interior design. She is known for her classic and comfortable style, often mixing traditional and contemporary elements. Her work has been influential in shaping the timeless American aesthetic.
Albert Hadley (1920-2012) was a celebrated interior designer known for his ability to merge traditional and modern design seamlessly. With Sister Parish, he co-founded the legendary design firm Parish-Hadley, which influenced generations of designers and clients with its timeless elegance.
Kelly Wearstler is a contemporary interior designer known for her bold and eclectic style. Her designs often feature a mix of textures, patterns, and unexpected elements. She has worked on numerous high-profile hotel and residential projects and is recognized for pushing the boundaries of design. Here is a great article on how she thinks about design.
Image of Kelly Wearstler by Magdalena Wosinska
Philippe Starck is a French designer renowned for his modern and avant-garde approach to interior design. He has created iconic furniture pieces and interiors for hotels and restaurants around the world. His work is known for its playful and futuristic aesthetic.
India Mahdavi is a renowned interior designer known for her use of vibrant colors and playful designs. Her work often features a mix of contemporary and vintage elements, creating unique and visually stimulating spaces. She recently curated the Bonnard Exhibition at the NGV.
These iconic interior designers have left a lasting legacy in the world of interior design by shaping trends, pushing boundaries, and leaving their mark on the industry through their distinctive styles and innovative approaches to design.
Why are interior design styles useful to know for artists?
If you are an artist interested in working with interior designers, it is useful to have common ground over the knowledge base you work with. This type of knowledge can help you to position yourself as a great collaborator for an interior designer. Who doesn’t love a conversation and collaboration based of shared understanding?
For example, you might want to work with an interior designer who is inspired by and references the edgy work of Philippe Stark. Or you may want to work directly with Philippe Stark’s team. In order to come to the attention of a designer like this, you would need to be telling a story that deeply resonates for them. Your art would need to be playful, and potentially challenge norms. This would include evidence of your technical proficiency to create art at the quality of other pieces that a designer working at this level this would be specifying. Which means if you are an artist creating still life floral oils on canvas, this probably isn’t the collaboration for you. However, creative worlds are interesting, and there is always an exception to the rule!
What’s next?
If you are interested in working with interior designers, start doing some research into the type of design styles that could work with the art you are making. A good place to start is to look at any influences on your own art, and any historical period they came out of. See if you can match that to a design style or aesthetic.
Modern interior design can also be wonderful mix of styles, where abstract work sits perfectly in classical spaces, and vice versa. It is worth it to start looking, and to attune your eye to what is happening in the design world. Some great resources to dive into include Architectural Digest and Vogue Living. When you are looking at designers and the spaces they are curating, ask yourself if your work would sit well in that space.
Want to learn more about working with interior designers?
My name is Sarah Daly and I am an artist who sells predominantly through interior designers. Working with interior designers is very different to working with art galleries and there are specific approaches that will increase your chance of success. I have recently researched over 1,000 interior designers globally. I’ve put together a free report for artists to help them get to know interior designer styles.